Internet Providers in Canada: Rogers vs Bell vs Telus vs Shaw

Choosing an internet provider is one of the first tasks newcomers face when setting up their new home in Canada. The market is dominated by four major providers, each with different coverage areas, technologies, and pricing structures. This guide compares them and explains what newcomers need to know.

Understanding the Canadian Internet Market

Canada's internet market is regulated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The market is dominated by a few large providers, which means prices are generally higher than in many other countries. The CRTC sets basic service standards and oversees competition. Understanding which providers serve your area is the essential first step, as coverage varies significantly by region.

Provider Overview

| Feature | Rogers | Bell | Telus | Shaw | |---------|--------|------|-------|------| | Primary Region | Ontario, Atlantic Canada | Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic | BC, Alberta, Quebec | BC, Alberta | | Network Type | Cable (DOCSIS 3.1), Fibre | Fibre (Fibe), DSL | Fibre (PureFibre), DSL | Cable, Fibre (Fibre+) | | Max Download Speed | Up to 1.5 Gbps | Up to 3 Gbps | Up to 1.5 Gbps | Up to 1.5 Gbps | | Starting Price | ~$55/month | ~$60/month | ~$55/month | ~$50/month | | Contract Required | No (month-to-month available) | No (month-to-month available) | No (month-to-month available) | No (month-to-month available) | | Bundling Options | TV, Mobile, Home Security | TV, Mobile, Home Security | TV, Mobile, Home Security | TV, Mobile |

Rogers

Coverage

Rogers serves Ontario and parts of Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland). It is the dominant cable provider in Ontario, covering most urban and suburban areas. If you live in Toronto, Ottawa, or most Ontario cities, Rogers is likely available.

Plans and Pricing

Rogers offers plans ranging from basic internet (up to 75 Mbps for around $55/month) to their fastest fibre and cable packages (up to 1.5 Gbps for $100+/month). Mid-range plans offering 500 Mbps typically cost $75 to $85 per month. Rogers frequently offers promotional pricing for new customers, which reverts to regular pricing after 12 to 24 months.

Newcomer Considerations

Rogers offers Ignite bundles that combine internet, TV, and mobile. They may require a credit check, which can be challenging for newcomers without Canadian credit history. Rogers generally accepts a deposit in lieu of a credit check for newcomers. Month-to-month plans are available, giving flexibility if you are still settling in.

Bell

Coverage

Bell serves Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland). Bell has invested heavily in its fibre optic network (Bell Fibe), offering some of the fastest speeds available in Canada in areas where fibre has been deployed. In areas without fibre, Bell offers DSL service with lower speeds.

Plans and Pricing

Bell's fibre plans range from around $60/month for basic speeds (up to 100 Mbps) to $120+/month for their fastest offerings (up to 3 Gbps where available). Bell is generally the most expensive of the four providers but offers the highest maximum speeds in fibre-covered areas.

Newcomer Considerations

Bell offers a New to Canada program that provides internet, TV, and mobile services with special terms for newcomers. This program typically waives deposits and provides competitive pricing for the first year. Bell accepts work permits, study permits, and permanent resident cards as identification.

Telus

Coverage

Telus serves British Columbia, Alberta, and parts of Quebec. Telus has been aggressively expanding its PureFibre network, offering fibre-to-the-home in many urban and suburban areas. Where fibre is not available, Telus provides DSL service.

Plans and Pricing

Telus plans start at around $55/month for basic speeds and range up to $110+/month for their fastest fibre plans (up to 1.5 Gbps). Mid-range plans (300-500 Mbps) typically cost $70 to $85 per month. Telus is known for bundling internet with mobile plans for additional savings.

Newcomer Considerations

Telus has a Connecting Newcomers program that offers discounted plans and waived installation fees for new immigrants. The program is available for up to two years after arrival in Canada. Telus accepts various immigration documents for identification and generally does not require a deposit from program participants.

Shaw

Coverage

Shaw serves British Columbia and Alberta. Note that Shaw was acquired by Rogers in 2023, and Shaw's internet services are being gradually integrated into the Rogers brand. As of early 2026, Shaw-branded internet is still available in Western Canada, but new customers may be directed to Rogers plans. Shaw's cable and fibre network covers most urban and suburban areas in BC and Alberta.

Plans and Pricing

Shaw plans start at around $50/month for basic speeds and go up to $110+/month for their fastest packages (up to 1.5 Gbps). Shaw has historically been competitive on pricing, particularly for mid-range plans. The Fibre+ plans offer strong performance for the price.

Newcomer Considerations

Shaw and Rogers offer similar newcomer accommodations in Western Canada. Credit check requirements may apply, but deposits are generally accepted as an alternative. Month-to-month plans provide flexibility.

Budget Alternatives

Beyond the Big Four, several smaller providers resell internet at lower prices using the major providers' networks. These include:

• TekSavvy -- Available in Ontario and Quebec, offering plans $10-$20 cheaper than the big providers
• Start.ca -- Ontario-focused with competitive pricing
• VMedia -- Available in Ontario, Alberta, and BC
• Oxio -- Quebec and Ontario with simple, transparent pricing
• Distributel -- Available in multiple provinces

These resellers offer the same network speeds and reliability as the major providers since they use the same infrastructure. The trade-off is sometimes less customer support and fewer bundling options. For budget-conscious newcomers, these providers can save $120 to $300 per year.

What Speed Do You Need?

A common question for newcomers is how much speed they actually need. Here is a general guide:

| Usage | Recommended Speed | |-------|-------------------| | Basic browsing and email | 25-50 Mbps | | Streaming video (1-2 people) | 50-100 Mbps | | Working from home + streaming | 100-300 Mbps | | Family of 4+ with gaming and streaming | 300-500 Mbps | | Heavy usage, multiple devices, 4K streaming | 500+ Mbps |

Most newcomers find that a 100-300 Mbps plan meets their needs. Paying for gigabit speeds is unnecessary unless you have specific requirements like large file uploads or multiple simultaneous heavy users.

Tips for Newcomers

Before You Sign Up

1. Check coverage first. Enter your postal code on each provider's website to see what is available at your address. Not all providers serve all areas.

2. Watch for promotional pricing. Most providers offer attractive introductory rates that increase after 12 to 24 months. Know what the regular price will be before you commit.

3. Ask about newcomer programs. Bell and Telus have specific newcomer programs that may offer better terms. Always ask about these when calling to sign up.

4. Consider month-to-month plans. If you are not sure how long you will stay at your current address, avoid long-term contracts. Month-to-month plans cost slightly more but offer flexibility.

5. Bring your own modem/router. Some providers charge $10 to $15 per month for equipment rental. Buying your own compatible modem and router can save $120 to $180 per year.

6. Read the data cap. Most plans now include unlimited data, but some basic plans may have data caps. Verify this before signing up, especially if you stream video frequently.

Installation

Installation typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to schedule after you sign up. If the previous tenant had service from the same provider, activation may be faster. Installation fees range from $0 (often waived during promotions) to $100. Self-installation kits are available for some plan types and are usually free.

Pros and Cons Summary

Rogers

Pros: Widest Ontario coverage, strong cable speeds, frequent promotions Cons: Higher regular prices, credit check challenges for newcomers

Bell

Pros: Fastest fibre speeds, New to Canada program, widest coverage in Quebec Cons: Most expensive, slower DSL in non-fibre areas

Telus

Pros: Connecting Newcomers program, expanding fibre network, good mobile bundles Cons: Limited to Western Canada and Quebec, DSL in some areas

Shaw

Pros: Competitive pricing, strong in Western Canada Cons: Being absorbed into Rogers, future brand uncertain

Final Verdict

In Ontario: Rogers or Bell depending on whether fibre is available at your address. Bell's New to Canada program is valuable for newcomers. Consider TekSavvy or Start.ca for budget savings.

In British Columbia or Alberta: Telus or Shaw/Rogers. Telus's Connecting Newcomers program is particularly helpful. Shaw's pricing has historically been competitive.

In Quebec: Bell or Telus depending on your area. Oxio and TekSavvy offer good budget alternatives.

In Atlantic Canada: Rogers or Bell, depending on coverage at your address.

Start with a mid-range plan (100-300 Mbps), take advantage of newcomer programs where available, and re-evaluate your needs after six months once you understand your usage patterns.